What Should I Do When I Don’t Understand a Passage?
Every Christian eventually encounters a passage of Scripture that is difficult to understand. You may read a verse several times and still wonder what it means. You may come across unfamiliar names, ancient customs, prophetic imagery, or teachings that seem confusing. When this happens, it is easy to become discouraged or even wonder if the Bible is simply too difficult to understand.
The encouraging truth is that struggling with certain passages is a normal part of spiritual growth. Every mature Christian, pastor, Bible teacher, and theologian has encountered verses that required careful study, prayer, and patience. God never expected His people to understand every passage immediately. Instead, He invites us into a lifelong journey of knowing Him through His Word.
One of the first things to remember is that not every passage of Scripture is equally difficult. The central message of the Bible is remarkably clear. God created us. Sin separated us from Him. Jesus Christ came to save us through His death and resurrection. Salvation is available by grace through faith in Christ. Those foundational truths are presented plainly throughout Scripture. While certain passages require deeper study, the message of salvation is understandable for anyone willing to receive it.
When you encounter a difficult passage, the first response should not be frustration—it should be prayer. Before trying to solve the problem yourself, ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 promises that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. The Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture, delights in helping believers grow in understanding. Prayer reminds us that Bible study is not merely an academic exercise but a relationship with the Author of the Bible.
Next, slow down and read the passage again. Sometimes confusion comes simply because we read too quickly. Read the surrounding paragraph. Then read the entire chapter. If necessary, read the whole book to understand the larger context. Many difficult verses become much clearer when viewed within the flow of the author’s overall message.
Context remains one of the greatest tools for understanding Scripture. Ask simple questions such as: Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is happening? Why was this written? What subject is being discussed? Is this poetry, history, prophecy, or a letter? These observations often remove much of the confusion before additional resources are even needed.
It is also helpful to compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible consistently explains itself. If one passage seems difficult, look for other passages that address the same topic more clearly. Since God does not contradict Himself, clearer passages often provide insight into those that are harder to understand. This principle protects us from building entire beliefs upon one isolated verse.
When appropriate, make use of trustworthy Bible study tools. A study Bible, Bible dictionary, cross-references, Bible atlas, or reliable commentary can provide historical background, explain unfamiliar customs, and clarify difficult wording. These resources should support your study rather than replace it. Always spend time wrestling with the biblical text before turning immediately to someone else’s explanation.
Sometimes it is wise to ask mature believers for help. God designed the Christian life to be lived within the body of Christ. Pastors, Bible teachers, mentors, and spiritually mature friends can often provide helpful perspective that comes from years of faithful study. Asking questions is not a sign of weak faith. In fact, humility is one of the greatest qualities of a growing disciple.
It is equally important to accept that some questions may not be fully answered this side of eternity. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” God has revealed everything necessary for salvation, faithful living, and knowing Him. There will always be mysteries that remind us of His infinite wisdom and our limited understanding. Rather than creating frustration, these mysteries should cultivate humility and deeper trust.
Be careful not to allow one difficult passage to distract you from the many clear passages God has already given. Imagine refusing to eat because one recipe seems difficult to understand. Instead, continue feeding on the many portions of Scripture that are readily understandable while patiently studying the more difficult ones over time. Spiritual growth comes from consistently obeying what we do understand.
It is also worth remembering that understanding often grows gradually. A passage that seems confusing today may become wonderfully clear months or years later after you have continued reading the rest of Scripture. As your knowledge of the Bible increases, individual passages begin connecting together. God’s larger story becomes clearer, and verses that once seemed isolated find their proper place within His unfolding plan.
One of the greatest temptations when facing difficult passages is giving up. The enemy would love for believers to become discouraged and abandon regular Bible study altogether. Resist that temptation. Every chapter you read, every question you ask, and every truth you learn is helping build a stronger biblical foundation for the future. God honors those who diligently seek Him.
Most importantly, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. Every book of the Bible ultimately points to Him. While individual passages may sometimes require careful study, the central message of Scripture remains beautifully clear: God loves sinners, Christ died for our salvation, and through Him we receive forgiveness, eternal life, and the hope of His coming Kingdom.
As you continue through the Fortitude Living Library™, remember that understanding the Bible is a lifelong journey, not a race. God is patient with His children, and He faithfully teaches those who continue seeking Him with humble, teachable hearts. Every difficult passage becomes another opportunity to know Him more deeply and trust Him more completely.
Key Takeaways
- Encountering difficult passages is a normal part of growing in God’s Word and should encourage deeper study rather than discouragement.
- Prayer, context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and trustworthy study tools are valuable aids in understanding difficult passages.
- Continue faithfully obeying the truths you already understand while patiently growing in areas that remain difficult.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a Bible passage that has puzzled or challenged you for a long time?
- How might slowing down and studying the surrounding context change your understanding of difficult verses?
- What trusted people or resources has God placed in your life to help you grow in biblical understanding?
Action Steps
- Choose one Bible passage you have struggled to understand and reread it within its full chapter and book context.
- Pray specifically for wisdom before every Bible study this week.
- Ask a trusted pastor, mentor, or mature Christian to help you better understand one passage that has been difficult for you.
Journal Prompt
Write about a passage that once seemed confusing but later became clear as you continued studying Scripture. What did that experience teach you about God’s patience and your own spiritual growth?
Short Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Word and inviting me into a lifelong journey of knowing You. When I encounter passages that I do not understand, help me remain patient, humble, and eager to learn. Give me wisdom through Your Holy Spirit, teach me through faithful study, and surround me with godly people who can help me grow. Protect me from discouragement, and remind me that You are always faithful to reveal what I need to know in Your perfect timing. Help me faithfully obey the truths I already understand while continuing to seek greater wisdom each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Faith Declaration
I will continue seeking God with patience and humility. Even when I do not immediately understand every passage of Scripture, I trust that God is faithfully teaching me and growing me through His Word.
Memory Verse
James 1:5 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
